A vivarium is an enclosed area for keeping and raising animals or plants for observation or research. It can be small enough to sit on a desk or table, such as a terrarium or an aquarium, or it can be a very large structure, possibly outdoors. Vivaria can be subcategorized according to the habitat or life forms enclosed within, and each subcategory can refer to either an individual enclosure or a facility that encompasses numerous like enclosures. Some types of vivarium include:

• Semi-aquatic vivarium: An enclosure for species that live partially submerged or alternate between immersion in water and air.

• Desert vivarium: An enclosure for small to medium-sized desert and arid habitat reptiles, as wood is an excellent insulator that makes maintaining high temperatures relatively simple.

• Paludarium: A partially water-based enclosure that houses both land and water organisms. It can replicate different wetland habitats such as marsh, swamp, etc. .

Vivaria are usually made from clear containers, often plastic or glass, and unless it is an aquarium, it does not need to withstand the pressure of water, so it can also be made out of wood or metal, with at least one transparent side. The essential purpose of a vivarium is to maintain a stable environment for the safety and comfort of the species and the personnel who work in these spaces every day. Therefore, the environment must be monitored and controlled at all times, including humidity, temperature, and air flow systems.